How to Conduct Effective Lesson Observations in Ghanaian Schools – Best Practices & 2025 Guidelines

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Ellis Ferdinand
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Ferdinand | EducationGhana | July 4 | How to Conduct Effective Lesson Observations in Ghanaian Schools—Best Practices & 2025 Guidelines

Master how to conduct effective lesson observations in Ghanaian schools with this 2025 guide,includes observation forms, tips, GES criteria, and school improvement links.

Effective teaching begins with consistent, constructive feedback, and that’s where lesson observations become essential. In Ghana’s 2025 education strategy, lesson observations are not just supervisory tools but core elements in building a culture of professional growth, accountability, and continuous learning.

This guide provides a comprehensive and humanised walkthrough on how to conduct effective lesson observations that align with the Ghana Education Service (GES) standards, support School Improvement Plans (SIPs), and empower teachers through actionable feedback.

Understanding Lesson Observations in the Ghanaian Context

Lesson observations are a non-intrusive evaluation method used to monitor, assess, and improve teaching and learning practices. GES mandates schools to incorporate them within internal quality assurance systems.

Why Lesson Observations Matter:

  • Improve instructional quality

  • Align teacher performance with curriculum delivery goals

  • Enhance learner achievement and engagement

  • Generate data for SIP reporting and inspections

🔗 For more on how observations align with accountability systems, read our GALOP Programme overview.

Pre-Observation: Setting the Stage for Success

✅ Notify Teachers Professionally

Observations should not be a surprise. Provide at least a 48-hour notice, allowing the teacher time to prepare mentally and structurally.

 

✅ Review the Lesson Plan

Ask the teacher to submit their lesson notes or scheme of learning in advance. Look out for:

  • Learning objectives

  • Differentiated instruction

  • Assessment activities

 

✅ Clarify the Observation Focus

Set clear goals. Are you assessing classroom management, questioning techniques, or learner engagement?

📌 Tip: Pre-observation meetings help ease tension and foster trust.

During the Observation: What to Focus On

While inside the classroom, avoid acting like a judge. Instead, observe key indicators that reflect teaching effectiveness.

👁️ Focus Areas:

  • Clarity of lesson objectives

  • Student participation and engagement

  • Appropriateness of teaching strategies

  • Effective use of TLMs

  • Evidence of assessment for learning (AfL)

  • Time management and pacing

For full alignment with national expectations, use the GES School Inspection Guidelines 2025 during review.

Observation Tools and Templates

📄 GES Classroom Observation Checklist (2025)

The standard checklist includes:

  • Teacher punctuality and preparation

  • Clarity of instruction

  • Assessment strategies

  • Learner-centered activities

📥 Download the full checklist here: GES 2025 Observation Template

 

🧰 Digital Tools for Efficiency

  • Google Forms: Create live feedback templates

  • OBS Tracker App (coming to Ghanaian schools via GALOP)

  • Microsoft Excel for data archiving

 

📍 Related Internal Links for School Leaders:

Giving Constructive Feedback to Teachers

The post-observation meeting is just as important as the observation itself.

Key Steps:

  • Start with positive feedback: Recognize effort and innovation.

  • Be specific: Instead of “Improve questioning,” say “Try using open-ended questions to deepen analysis.”

  • End with action steps and follow-up dates.

📌 Tip: Keep feedback private, friendly, and growth-focused.

Lesson Observations and School Improvement Planning (SIP)

Observation findings are crucial data points for your School Improvement Plan. Use them to:

  • Identify CPD needs

  • Track teacher progress

  • Justify school-level interventions

🔗 Learn how to integrate this into your SIP using our SIP writing guide.

Role of Headteachers, Circuit Supervisors & Peer Review

StakeholderRole in Observation
HeadteachersInitiate and document observations, guide improvement
Circuit SupervisorsQuality control, mentor teachers, link school to DEO
Teachers (Peers)Supportive peer reviews, encourage professional dialogue

Creating a non-threatening culture of review improves cooperation and reduces anxiety.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

❌ Vague Feedback – Use observable facts, not assumptions
❌ Surprise Observations – These damage trust
❌ Bias Toward Style – Focus on outcomes, not personality
❌ No Follow-Up – Observation without mentoring = wasted effort

✅ Always provide clear next steps and support for improvement.

Integrating Observations into the 2025 Academic Cycle

According to the GES Academic Calendar 2025, plan observations during:

  • Week 3–5 of each term: For new topics

  • Week 7–9: Mid-term review

  • Week 11–12: Pre-holiday wrap-up

Link your observations to broader strategies such as GALOP performance evaluations and SIPs.

FAQs on Lesson Observations in Ghanaian Schools

1. How often should lesson observations occur?
At least once per term per teacher.

2. Are informal classroom visits allowed?
Yes—but they must still be respectful and purposeful.

3. What happens if a teacher “fails” an observation?
No teacher should be “failed.” Instead, they receive targeted coaching and support.

4. Can teachers observe one another?
Absolutely. Peer observations are encouraged under the 2025 GES improvement strategy.

5. Should observations be documented?
Yes, using official GES templates. Documentation supports SIP and inspection readiness.

6. Can lesson observations affect promotions?
Yes. Observation records contribute to performance appraisals and promotion interviews.

Conclusion: Strengthening Teaching Through Smart Observations

Lesson observations, when done well, are not a means of fault-finding but a powerful strategy to strengthen professional practice. They promote accountability, inspire continuous growth, and ensure every child in Ghana receives quality education.

As we enter a more performance-driven era in education, schools must embrace lesson observation as a tool for transformation, not punishment. When observation is constructive, consistent, and well-integrated, it becomes a pillar of educational excellence.

🌐 External References for Further Learning

  1. Ghana Education Service – Teaching and Learning Resource Hub

  2. UNESCO Guidelines for Teacher Supervision

  3. World Bank – Effective Schools Framework

  4. Teacher Performance Appraisal Framework – Global Partnership for Education

 

👉 Subscribe to our newsletter for expert insights on Ghana’s education system: educationghana.org/subscribe 📩 For partnerships and research support, contact: Ellisferdinand@ymail.com or Education.ghana@yahoo.com 

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